12 Squoval Nail Ideas from Natural Shades to Over-the-Top Art

If the square and oval nail shapes had a baby, it’d be “squoval nails,” which are beloved in their own right.

Featured experts
Amber Studer is a celebrity nail artist
Natalie Minerva is a celebrity nail artist and OPI global ambassador
“The squoval nail shape is different from other nail shapes because it’s square on the top of the nail with rounded edges for more of a natural look,” explains celebrity nail artist Amber Studer. The key to achieving the shape is to file straight across as if creating square nails, then filing from the sides of the nails toward the top to soften the edges, she says.

While nail art images on social media suggest that the squoval nail shape is most commonly used on short nails, long squoval nails were a signature of at least two musical legends. “I think squoval can be worn fairly long,” says celebrity nail artist and OPI global ambassador Natalie Minerva. “Barbara Streisand and Cher both wore squoval nails relatively long, and their hands have always been iconic. I constantly reference their nails.”

While nail shape trends come and go, the squoval has withstood the test of time and isn’t a fleeting fad, believes Minerva. “I do consider it timeless because I think the shape can look good on any set of hands,” she says.

Whether you’d rather pair the classic shape with trendy nail art or opt for a solid, neutral shade, squoval nails can serve as a canvas for a wide range of manicures. We sourced 35 squoval nail designs to show you what’s possible.

Squoval nail ideas to try

Strawberries and Cream
This realistic 3D strawberry nail art looks good enough to eat. It’s right on trend since fruity nail art is popular right now.

Light Blue
Even if you’ve decided on blue, the decision between cobalt, baby blue or turquoise can be a tough choice. This squoval manicure makes a convincing case for a green-blue shade with a shimmery finish.

Deep Red
In the colder months, you might to deeper shades. Burgundy or merlot colors are always gorgeous picks.

Blue Swirls
Thin, blue swirls are ideal if you want a reminder of the calming quality of the ocean every time you glance at your nails.

Blueberries
Hand-painted blueberries may not have the antioxidant content of the real thing, but they’re just as pretty.

Blue and Purple Ombré
Squoval-shaped nails are the perfect canvas for a light blue and purple gradient effect.

Blue Chrome
When you really want your nails to stand out, go for the brightest color you can find with a chrome finish. This manicure applied the approach to the blue chrome nail trend.

Cherries and Strawberries
Small-scale nail art can be particularly charming, and this design featuring miniature strawberries and cherries is no exception.

Pink Marbling
Pink and white marbling with a glittery finish can create the effect of a rose quartz stone.

Red
Whether you go with a candy apple red or more of a wine shade, a squoval, solid red nail looks classic and goes with everything.

Stars
Short, squoval nails aren’t as dramatic one-inch stiletto nails, but they can still make a statement if you opt for nail art. Think: bright, contrasting colors and designs on every nail, as with this manicure.